Mara Bushtops

Residing in its own private game sanctuary, Mara Bushtops is an exclusive, tented lodge a few kilometres outside the Maasai Mara National Reserve’s busiest gate. The lodge provides personal butlers and a well-stocked wine cellar.

Opened in 2007 as Mara Bushtops, the lodge was previously Cottars Mara Camp and before that a family home. It stands sentinel over a 26km² private game sanctuary on Siana Group Ranch, northeast of Sekenani Gate. By making its concession exclusive, Bushtops has preserved a small patch of land and ensured that its guests can have first-class wildlife experiences just minutes from the lodge.

The main gathering areas at Bushtops feel quite hotel-like, with vehicles checking in at the gate at the bottom of the hill, then pulling right up to the 1980s-built reception in the main building at the top of the hill. Just inside, the main lounge has a colonial-meets-central-Africa feel, and houses a star-gazing telescope, and the shop stocks high-quality curios. A few steps away, the lounge gives onto a beautiful deck, with an infinity pool and sunloungers to one side.

A little down the hill is the intriguing dining room, located in the original Cottars’ home – a stone building with a stone floor and high, thatched roof, from which hang lights designed to look like the fruits of the sausage tree. Bushtops’ extensive wine collection is stored in a cool cellar under the restaurant. You can dine inside here, or elect to eat outdoors, closer to the firepit and the salt lick that is regularly visited by wildlife.

Sandy paths lead between Mara Bushtops’ main area and the 12 tents (each 110m² in area), which are magnificently designed tent-room hybrids, with roofs that are part tent ceiling and part luxurious display of bedroom drapery. The bedsteads behind the huge double or twin beds are set off with African masks and every room’s deck has its own wooden hot tub. An antique-style telescope, plus mammal and bird guides, are provided in each tent.

The tents sit on large wooden decks, have complete privacy, and can open up completely at the front and sides. Sunloungers are provided on the verandas and table and chairs are already set up for private dining. Minibars and fridges (extra charge) are replenished by the personal butler allocated to each tent, who can also be called by buzzer.

Game drives and walking safaris are the main activities at this camp.

*For a full list of available activities, the best time of the year to visit, and any other relevant enquiries, please contact a Sister Hippo Travel Consultant!